KTM makes major revisions to 2015 lineup

Publish Date:

Jun 3, 2014

MURRIETA, Calif. - KTM has announced major revisions to its 2015 lineup, with a wide variety of engines and displacements for its two- and four-stroke models.

Chassis improvements include a new machined cross tube in the frame, which provides a stronger, more accurate connection of the frame and the linkage due to an improved production process, resulting in a 60g weight reduction. The frame is now powder-coated in KTM Factory orange. In addition:

There is new linkage geometry with an improved rising rate for better control, stability and balance;

The linkage has an improved production process for higher quality, resulting in a 40g weight reduction;

A new WP 4CS fork is specifically designed for motocross use

New fork lugs with a 22mm front axle reduce weight and enhance feel, and provide a 2mm reduced offset for improved handling;

New fork protectors facilitate an open design, and are easier to replace for better maintenance and cleaning of the fork leg;

A new monoshock setting, revalved and set up to match the new linkage and fork (the shock features a 4mm increase of shaft travel while maintaining the same amount of wheel travel with the new linkage package);

There are new Dunlop GeoMax MX52 tires and black Excel rims;

A new aluminum O-ring provides support for the lower bearing on the steering stem for a weight savings of 22 grams, and a new steering stem bolt is eight grams lighter; and

KTM added new, softer two-compound grips.

The new frame, manufactured by WP Performance Systems, has an improved, modern and lightweight design, and is made from lightweight, high-strength chromoly steel sections. The 2015 models have a new machined cross tube that unites the two sides of the frame and connects the linkage rods to the frame; this provides exact production tolerances and consistent chassis characteristics due to the absence of welding. It's also lighter (58 grams) than the previous cross tube design.

The design and wall thickness of the cast aluminum swingarm has been refined for minimum weight at optimum stiffness, KTM said. Precisely defined flexibility provides perfect stability, which gives excellent traction, stability and comfort, the company noted.

A new fully adjustable rear monoshock by WP Suspension has been revalved and set up to match the new linkage geometry and characteristics. A 4mm longer stroke allows the same amount of wheel travel thanks to the new linkage design, KTM said.

The suspension package features a new linkage with revised geometry due to development and testing conducted by the Red Bull KTM Factory Team along with KTM's U.S.-based R&D department. These revisions provide an optimized rising rate that utilizes a higher starting rate to achieve a flatter, less progressive curve for better control, KTM noted. The innovative production process of the triangle and pull-rod saves 40 grams of weight while improving the quality of the component, the company said.

For the United States, the SX model range features the WP 4CS fork -- a new four-chamber fork designed and tested for motocross. The advanced 4CS fork offers improved damping, is lighter than previous models and can be adjusted easily for compression and rebound via the dials on the top of the fork tubes.

The front axle has been reduced in size from 26mm to 22mm to reduce weight and offer a better front-end feel. The smaller axle has also been moved back 2mm in the axle clamp. The adjusted offset and increased trail provides more stability.

Fork protectors have been revised for 2015 to fit to the new axle clamps, and are also lighter. They allow easier access to the fork legs for quicker cleaning and faster maintenance.

CNC-machined triple clamps offer precise handling, and particularly support the flex characteristics (and with it, the forks’ action). The O-ring support for the lower bearing on the steering stem has been revised -- it is now made of aluminum to save 22 grams -- and the steering stem bolt is also eight grams lighter.

In shaping the bodywork, KTM designers’ ergonomic and design focus was to achieve complete harmony between rider and bike, the OEM said. "The front fender is a prime example of a molded polymer component, gaining maximum stability through a well thought-out structure and mounting system," it noted. Bodywork will be decorated with updated graphics to highlight the racing character of the 2015 SX lineup.

Airbox design offers maximum protection of the air filter against dirt, while providing maximum airflow for high performance, KTM said. The TwinAir filter can be changed without tools in seconds, it added.

New black wheel rims deliver aggressive looks and use lightweight, CNC machined hubs, high-end Excel rims and spokes with lightweight aluminium nipples to achieve maximum stability at minimum weight. The wheels are fitted with Dunlop Geomax MX52 tires, developed with the RedBull KTM Factory Racing team and U.S. R&D department.

A new sprocket design is 50g lighter and contributes to the overall refining of the MY 2015 KTM motocross range.

All SX models feature tapered Renthal Fatbar 827 handlebars, with a bend suited to the requirements of motocross while boasting superior quality and performance, KTM added. The handlebar can be mounted in four different positions. A large Renthal bar pad offers protection for the rider. New, softer two-compound grips are used for increased comfort and less stress on the rider’s hands.